While it’s the most wonderful time of year, for many of us, it’s also the most stressful time of year. Parties, shopping, baking, and entertaining during the holiday season can cause stress to peak, and in some cases, can eventually lead to a serious health problem, so it’s important to stay on top of our daily stressors. Here are a few ways to cope with holiday season stress.
Plan Ahead
If you’re not much of a planner, now is a good time to start practicing good organizational skills. Make a to-do list of all the tasks that need to be done in order of importance. Don’t over-commit. Saying yes to every invitation might leave you feeling run down.
Don’t Neglect Your Diet
It’s easy to over-indulge during the holidays, but doing so will likely add to your stress. Be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking and remember to practice moderation. Try eating a healthy snack before a gathering, so you can avoid overeating.
Get Active
Be sure to exercise daily. It will help improve your mood and better equip you to manage stress. Don’t worry about the kind of exercise and how to fit it into your already busy day – even walking around the mall to shop can be a form of exercise!
Get Enough Sleep
If you’re not getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night, you’re setting yourself up for more stress. Sleep is one of the pillars of good health and without enough of it, our bodies just don’t function at their best. Stick to a firm bedtime and again, don’t over-commit yourself.
Breathe
It may seem silly at first, but setting aside time each day to do breathing exercises has been shown to significantly reduce stress. Learn more about deep breathing and other relaxation techniques here.
Don’t let stress ruin the magic of the season for you. By planning and sticking to your healthy routines, you can combat stress before it takes a toll. As always, if you’re battling an injury or musculoskeletal condition that prevents you from being able to take care of yourself properly, give us a call to schedule a check-up.
